If y^2 is the first term of your hyperbola, then it opens along a vertical axis. Use the asymptotes equations y = + - a/bx to sketch a "box" around which your hyperbola will be drawn. The diagonal asymptotes will be boundary lines that will help you determine how wide or skinny to make the hyperbola branches. If the x^2 term is first, then the axis is horizontal and the asymptotes are y = + - b/ax. Use y = mx+b techniques to sketch the asymptotes in dashed lines.